Real Madrid let another opportunity to reclaim top spot in La Liga slip away, drawing 1–1 with an energetic and well-drilled Girona side. Under Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s performance fluctuated sharply — moments of sharp pressing were followed by long spells of apathy, while attacks through Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé rarely materialised into genuine danger.

The visitors’ only breakthrough came late in the match, when Vinícius earned a penalty that Mbappé confidently converted, briefly raising hopes of a difficult away win.

Girona, meanwhile, capitalised on Real’s defensive lapses. A counterattack sparked by a precise assist from Ukrainian playmaker Viktor Tsygankov led to a composed finish from Azzedine Ounahi, exposing Madrid’s ongoing issues with collective defensive organisation. Though Xabi Alonso’s side dominated possession, they lacked depth, tempo and incision.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Girona - Real 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Ounahi A., 45 (1:0); Mbappé, 67 (penalty) (1:1)

Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincón (Frances, 72); Martinez Ar.; Vitor Reis; Moreno Alex; Tsygankov (Asprilla, 72); Ounahi A. (Ruiz Ab., 83); Witsel; Martín I.; Gil B. (Roca, 72); Vanat (Kourouma, 83)
Substitution: Frances (from 72); Roca (from 72); Asprilla (from 72); Kourouma (from 83); Ruiz Ab. (from 83)
Bench: Livaković; Ba Papa
Yellow Cards: Gazzaniga 42; Ounahi A. 59; Vanat 74

Real: Courtois; Militão; Alexander-Arnold (García G., 90); García Fr. (Fernandez Ál., 90); Rudiger; Tchouaméni (Rodrygo, 72); Güler A. (Camavinga, 46); Bellingham; Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé
Substitution: Camavinga (from 46); Rodrygo (from 72); Fernandez Ál. (from 90); García G. (from 90)
Bench: Lunin Andriy; Mestre; Mendy Fe.; Dani Ceballos; Diaz Br.; Mastantuono; Endrick